Ambassador says Russia always open to energy sourcing talks with Thailand

The Russian government is always open to discussions with Thailand over the purchase of fertiliser and energy, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), with payment issues not insurmountable, according to Russia's Ambassador to Thailand, Evgeny Tomikhin.

Tomikhin said on Wednesday that Russia has been approached by many nations since the Middle East crisis broke out in February, including Thailand.

“Our federal government and companies are always open to options, open for discussion,” Tomikhin said, adding that there are bodies designated to deal with the matter.

He said price is the most usual topic for discussion.

The Thai government has been seeking alternative energy sources due to the ongoing issues over the vital Strait of Hormuz, with Moscow among the potential sources of urea fertiliser and LNG. Thai Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit travelled to Russia in April to negotiate the purchase of two million tonnes of urea fertiliser.

The deal has not, however, materialised due to the delay in exporting the products to Thailand, according to Suriya. The Thai government has turned to procuring bio-fertiliser and biological products instead.

Tomikhin dismissed concerns over payment obstacles, resulting from Western governments’ sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation, saying “Business communities are very flexible and creative, so they always try to find solutions… There are ways and there should be ways.”

Asked about the effects of the Thai government’s recent reduction in the permitted length of stay for visas on arrival, from 60 to 30 days, Tomikhin said he has received no official complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far.

He said all foreigners should abide by local laws regardless of their nationality. Nonetheless, he said he hopes for "flexibility" in emergency cases, such as urgent medical requirements.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Russians ranked fourth in terms of the number of foreign arrivals in Thailand between January 1 and May 10 this year, at 895,557 people with China topping the list with 2.06 million.